Uda Walawe National Park - Discovering Sri Lanka

Travelling to Uda Walawe National Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Uda Walawe National Park, a pretty good destination in Sri Lanka (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Uda Walawe National Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Uda Walawe National Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sri Lanka, here's everything to know about Uda Walawe National Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Uda Walawe National Park

Uda Walawe National Park is located in Sri Lanka and is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. It covers an area of 308 square kilometers and is home to more than 500 species of animals including herds of elephants, water buffalos, leopards, and various bird species. The park also features numerous wetlands and man-made reservoirs, providing a rich habitat for the animals and a picturesque landscape for visitors to explore. Uda Walawe National Park is famous for its elephant gathering, which takes place in the dry season from July to September. Visitors can take safari tours of the park and enjoy close-up encounters with the wildlife.

What to visit in Uda Walawe National Park

Here are the top tourist attractions in Uda Walawe National Park, Sri Lanka: 1. Uda Walawe National Park Safari: This is the main attraction and is best known for its elephant population. It is a must-do activity while visiting the park.
2. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home: A rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants that is highly recommended as it provides a unique opportunity to witness elephants up close.
3. Lunugamvehera National Park: This park is situated near Uda Walawe and is an excellent option for those who want to explore wildlife beyond the park's borders.
4. Maduwanwela Walawwa: A heritage site with a rich history that is worth a visit.
5. Dry Zone Botanic Gardens: This botanic garden is home to many rare and fascinating plant species. Visitors can learn about and explore the flora of the region.
6. Kataragama Temple: Located about an hour away from the park, this temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.
7. Kirinda Beach: A beautiful beach located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores and soak in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
8. Dondra Head Lighthouse: This is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding area.
9. Bundala National Park: This national park features a diverse range of bird species and is a popular birdwatching destination.
Overall, Uda Walawe National Park is a fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs alike.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sri Lanka, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Uda Walawe National Park

The best time to visit Uda Walawe National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to March. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for wildlife sightings and outdoor activities. The dry season is also the ideal time to spot the park's famous elephant population, as they gather around the park's water sources.
That being said, Uda Walawe National Park is open year-round, and there is plenty to see and do no matter when you visit. If you don't mind the rainy weather, visiting during the offseason between May to September may bring fewer crowds and lower prices.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Uda Walawe National Park

There are a few ways to get to Uda Walawe National Park in Sri Lanka: 1. By Car or Taxi: You can hire a car or taxi from Colombo or other major cities in Sri Lanka to Uda Walawe National Park. It is about a 4-5 hour drive from Colombo, depending on traffic.
2. By Bus: You can take a bus from Colombo to Embilipitiya, which is the closest town to Uda Walawe National Park. From there, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the national park.
3. By Train: You can take a train from Colombo to Haputale or Ella and then take a taxi or bus to Uda Walawe National Park.
Once you reach the park, you can hire a jeep to take you on a safari through the park to see elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Uda Walawe National Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Uda Walawe National Park

Here are some typical foods of Uda Walawe National Park in Sri Lanka: 1. Rice and curry: This is the staple dish in Sri Lanka, and it's no different in Uda Walawe National Park. The rice and curry is typically served with a variety of vegetable curries, dal, coconut sambal, and a meat or fish curry.
2. Pol Sambol: This is a coconut relish that is found throughout Sri Lanka. It is typically made with grated coconut, chili, lime juice, and salt. It is often served as an accompaniment to rice and curry.
3. Kottu Roti: This is a popular street food in Sri Lanka that has become a favorite in Uda Walawe National Park. It is made by stir-frying shredded roti bread with vegetables, egg, and meat or fish. It's often served with a spicy curry sauce.
4. Hoppers: These are a popular breakfast food in Sri Lanka, but they can be found throughout the day in Uda Walawe National Park. Hoppers are made by pouring a batter of rice flour and coconut milk into a special pan and cooking until crispy on the edges.
5. String Hoppers: These are similar to hoppers, but they are made with a rice flour dough that is extruded into thin noodles and then steamed. They are typically served with coconut sambal and a spicy curry sauce. 6. Fish Ambul Thiyal: This is a spicy and sour fish curry that is found throughout Sri Lanka. It is made by simmering fish in a mixture of spices, tamarind, and vinegar until the sauce has thickened.
7. Watalappan: This is a Sri Lankan version of a pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. It is often served as a dessert in Uda Walawe National Park.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sri Lanka here.

Is Uda Walawe National Park an expensive destination for tourists?

The Uda Walawe National Park is relatively affordable for tourists. Entrance fees for non-residents of Sri Lanka are around $15 per person, and there are options for guided safari tours which vary in price depending on the length of time and level of luxury. Additionally, accommodations in the nearby town of Embilipitiya range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, with prices starting at around $20 per night. Overall, Uda Walawe National Park offers an excellent value for money experience for both budget and mid-range travelers.

Where to find accomodation in Uda Walawe National Park

The best areas to find accommodation to visit Uda Walawe National Park in Sri Lanka are: 1. Udawalawe Town - This is the closest town to the park and there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses here.
2. Embilipitiya - This town is around 20km from the park and has a good range of hotels and guesthouses.
3. Belihuloya - This is a popular eco-tourism destination that's around 50km from the park. There are several boutique hotels and eco-lodges here.
4. Hambantota - This town is around 50km from the park and has a good range of mid-range and luxury hotels.
5. Tissamaharama - This town is also around 50km from the park and has a good range of budget and mid-range hotels.
You can check hotel prices at Uda Walawe National Park here:
Booking.com

Is Uda Walawe National Park a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Uda Walawe National Park is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, it's always important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines, such as staying on designated paths, not feeding or touching the animals, and being aware of potential hazards like snakes or insects. It's also recommended to hire a experienced and licensed guide to ensure a safe and informative trip.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sri Lanka here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Uda Walawe National Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Uda Walawe National Park the most?

Uda Walawe National Park is a great destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people looking for fun, and families. Here are some reasons why: - Wildlife enthusiasts: Uda Walawe National Park is famous for its large population of wild elephants. The park is also home to many other species, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and water buffalo.
- Birdwatchers: The park is known for its diverse range of bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers.
- Nature lovers: The park is located in a beautiful and peaceful natural setting, with rolling hills, grasslands, and rivers.
- Families: Uda Walawe National Park offers a great opportunity for families to get close to nature and experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Kids will love seeing elephants, deer, and bird species up close.
Overall, anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and the outdoors will enjoy a visit to Uda Walawe National Park.

How to get around Uda Walawe National Park

The most common way to move around Uda Walawe National Park in Sri Lanka is by jeep safari. There are various tour operators that offer guided jeep safaris with experienced drivers who know the best spots for wildlife viewing within the park. It's important to book your safari in advance to ensure availability as it's a popular attraction among tourists.

What to see around Uda Walawe National Park

There are several nice places to visit in a day trip from Uda Walawe National Park. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Madunagala Hot Springs - Known for its therapeutic properties, Madunagala Hot Springs is a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. It is located about 40 km from Uda Walawe National Park.
2. Buduruwagala Temple - This ancient temple is known for its beautiful rock carvings of Buddha and other deities. It is located about 30 km from Uda Walawe National Park.
3. Kirinda Beach - A lovely beach located about 35 km from Uda Walawe National Park, Kirinda Beach offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and is a great place to relax and sunbathe.
4. Kiri Vehera Temple - An ancient Buddhist temple located about 30 km from Uda Walawe National Park, Kiri Vehera Temple offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
5. Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home - Located within Uda Walawe National Park, this transit home is a great place to see baby elephants being cared for and fed. It’s a must-visit place for wildlife enthusiasts.
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